Beauty & All That

Spring Quarterly MizFit box review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 May 2017 14:25:00 +0000

Once a year, I treat myself to a deluxe box of fitness from the amazing fitfluencer Bianca Jade aka MIZZFIT. This Spring box she curated with Quarterly.co was a skincare focused box that was perfect for me- beauty!!! It also had snacks which were so delicious.

Snacks: Bare banana chips and Mama Chia Squeeze which reminds me of those kid pouches but it's good for you!

Accessories: Shower Cap with amazing terry lining to keep my hair dry in the shower and a glass water bottle that I keep in the office

Skincare/Beauty: Spongelle which is already infused with body wash is perfect to get exfoliating! The Tula probiotic cleanser is a morning staple along with the PulsaDerm facial brush. (Think of a vibrating brush for your skin! Or a more affordable FOREO) The BossBabe scrub is great for a once a week treatment. To keep my bags from getting worse, I've been prepping them with the NuGlow eye cream..so far so good!

Amazing box and can't wait to see more for the Fall or winter box!

Ipsy's GenBeauty conference LA January 21-22,2017

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 21:46:00 +0000

Beauty lovers- the Ipsy Gen Beauty conference is back in LA this January! I haven't been since 2014 (been busy with my little one and all but now I've got a tad bit more freedom!) can't wait!!

Get your tickets now!!

The reg-price tickets are $139 and will be sold out!

https://www.theticketfairy.com/r/719/125643

Do Good Be Green conference -November 5 in LA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 03:28:00 +0000

This Saturday is the exciting Do Good. Be Green. Conference hosted by the Love Goodly beauty box company. I am beyond thrilled to join and listen and immerse myself in this amazing forum. The schedule will include getting to meet over 20+ Eco-friendly/green brands, learn about Eco-fashion, have some delicious vegan lunch and wellness breaks. It's been a while since I've been to a green beauty event and I look forward to this!!

If you want in- you can get 50% off tickets using code VIPACCESS and learn more here: http://www.dogood.lovegoodly.com

Oh and did I mention there's a goody bag worth over $150+? I need to check out the Love Goodly beauty sub box!! 😍

Sephora Play! September 2016 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 04:29:00 +0000

My #SephoraPlay for September was a hit including the coveted Kat Von D. Tatoo eyeliner (think waterproof eyeliner and Living Proof night cap overnight protector (think serum for your hair!).

Other treats in the bag this month were the Ole Henriksen sheer transformation, Anastasia clear brow gel, Sephora rouge shine lipstick in #14 Love Spell, and a fragrance vial of Atalier Cologne's Sud Magnolia.

The brow gel is a true and tried favorite of mine so glad to have a backup! The Sephora brand lipstick actually is a no radiation to my collection. I found myself using it more than I though. Formula is good and I can see myself trying different colors.

Looking forward to my October #sephoraPlay! Review coming soon!

Pampered Mommy Box September

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 22:00:00 +0000

September's Pampered Mommy Box had a nice mix of mom essentials- snacks, pampering plus accessories! I enjoyed crunching on the Sea Salt Caramel popcorn clusters by Funky Chunky and wearing my Starfish Project beaded necklace. The green is perfect to add to my neutral wardrobe and provide a rich jewel tone to my outfits. When I get a few extra minutes to myself, the 100% Pure shower gel feels luxurious with the exfoliating mitt! I haven't tried the hair mask yet but I am due for a hair mask very soon. In the meantime, I use argan oil to keep my tips moisturized! (Pro beauty tip!)

All in all, another win for Pampered Mommy Box!

Birchbox September 2016 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 12:00:00 +0000

My September Birchbox is here!! This one of my favorites as they celebrate their 5 year anniversary it marks another anniversary for me getting Birchbox. I also love the confetti-design box as it screams party and fun! Ok onto the contents...

I chose the MILK makeup Lip + Cheek sample.. gorgeous pink tint that can be used as a blush or lip colour.. I am liking it more for my cheerks though. I also received the Beautiful Nutrition Lemon Rinse, R+Co Cleansing Foam Conditioner, Elizabeth Mott Volumizing Mascara and a Bioderma Sebium H2O (aka makeup remover) sample.

My favorites of this box is definitely the MILK makeup sample as this is the perfect color to bring me rosy cheeks and the R+Co conditioner..never tried a foam formula before and it is amazingly easy to use. I think I can get used to this!

Pampered Mommy Box August 2016 Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 17:00:00 +0000

A new-to-me subscription box called Pampered Mommy offers a life-style box to all women (moms or not) who want an extra something in their life. We all want to be pampered and have cute accessories right?? This month, we got spoiled with a Juice Beauty cleanser, nail polish, eye mask filled with lavender, notecards to send a hello to those we haven't chatted with in a while and eye glass wipes.

Check out pamperedmommybox.com today to sign up! Each month is $29.99

Birchbox July 2016 review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 19:09:00 +0000

Even after the whole Birchbox ending their review points after July uproar in the subscription box community, I decided to continue with my sub and see what goodies I will continue to get. After all, I have the annual plan and tons of points I have racked up I need to use. I will sorely miss it and my end of the year shopping sprees, but I've had Birchbox for 5 years already! Wow!

Lots of cleansers this month- Oribe shampoo/conditioner samples for the hair, Clinique facial cleanser and Marcelle 3in1 Micellar makeup remover! I chose the Benefit They're Real lengthening mascara :) not too shabby of a box but I am looking forward to August's box to bring it!

Call me...a Planner Enthusiast

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 04:25:00 +0000

Or .... a planner addict!

After seeing tons of bullet journaling and planner posts online and chatting it with my planner bff, I'm hooked! I'm attending my first Planner Retreat this weekend and made some adorable swaps for all enthusiasts attending. Lots of planning, material gathering and execution went behind to make these.. Not bad for the first time I think.

Using daiso clay and water paint, I'm making planner clips! Initially I wanted to make a ton of macaron shaped clips but decided to go steer into cuter kawaii shapes!

After making the charms, I glued them to mini clips and painted each one. Once they dried, I was ready to glaze!

Super kawaii and cute.. Can't wait to package them!

Are you a planner enthusiast?

Birchbox May 2016 review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 22:26:00 +0000

My May Birchbox review looks promising with brands I'm already familiar such as Benefit and Dr. Brandt but with new products! (Except for Avene's refreshing water spray! I already tried this and love it!)

Excited to be upgrading my brows with Benefits new gimme brow Volumizing fiber gel. To help cleanse and exfoliate my skin, I'll be sloughing dead skin cells away with Dr. Brandt's poreDermabrasion! So far, so good! I e also got 2 sunscreen options this month- Lavanila's Healthy sunscreen sports lux with sweat -proof technology or IPKN's BB cream option for correcting coverage. Either way can't go wrong, will just need to assess my day. :)

And when my skin is crying of sweat because of the insane heat we are experimenting in SoCal, I will happily spray the Avene thermal spring wate. I've already finished a bottle last summer so I know this stuff is amazing!

Looking forward to next month's box. After July, it will be difficult as the point system is changing (aka no more points to review products in August...) hope the boxes will be awesome!!

Sephora Play Beauty May 2016 review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 13:48:00 +0000

Sephora's coveted beauty subscription finally opened up and I got a chance to join in for May. Here's what I got:

Bonus: cute drawstring bag to put everything inside!

Fave items:

-Bite mini lipstick in kimchi (although I would've expected that color to be more orange)

-Briogeo hair mask

-Korres wild rose facial

So far I'm enjoying the items I got in this bag, so I'll be sticking with this sub to see how it goes this summer!

Influenster Treatbox review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 18:32:00 +0000

Influenster' latest box for mommies is out and I was lucky enough to receive one! It came with a few mommy essentials to help bring some energy to our lives- drinks! Yogi Tea which I am already a fan and I got introduced to Hills Bros Cappuccino instant drink mix!

Redeemed the Country Crock coupon to bake these chocolate chip cookies 😍

Yummy!

Note: I received these goodies complimentary from Influenster to review and share with my readers.

March Birchbox reveal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 Apr 2016 18:23:00 +0000

Happy April! I'll start this month with revealing last month's Birchbox! It was a well-rounded beauty box that had items from skincare, haircare to makeup.

Skincare:

Juara's radiance exfoliant scrub

WilmaSchumann's collagen eye pads

Haircare:

No.4 shampoo & conditioner

Makeup:

TreStiQue color and smudge eye pencil

Smashbox primer oil

Excited to see my April Birchbox!

February Vegan Cuts Beauty Box Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 05:40:00 +0000

VeganCuts Beauty Box is an amazing monthly subscription service that introduces you to new brands and products that will help update and make your makeup/skincare/haircare more natural. In February, new subscribers got a bonus goody of the nail polish.

Each month they give spoilers and 2 of them were the 100% Pure double eyeshadow sticks and the Wonder Seed facial cream. Totally got me hooked as I'm a huge fan of the of 100% Pure!

The WonderSeed Facial cream is amazing, just as amazing as their hand cream!

GoodBeing Limited Edition beauty box Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 22:51:00 +0000

GoodBeing, a natural beauty subscription box company recently launched in February a limited edition special box. New to their services, I decided to treat myself to this indulgent box full of natural and amazing goodies.

The two items that initially caught my eye were the Vitamin C body oil from One Love Organics- one of my favorite brands and the most adorable set of fashionable totes!

After receiving the box, I fell in love with all the other goodies:

-AILA nail polish - the perfect deep red hue for Valentine's Day and any other day !

-Osmia lip treatment provided an intense moisturizer for my lips

-lilikoi living serum

-MeToWe Necklace

Also included was a 2 month subscription gift to their regular monthly boxes!

TKO Running Belt- fitness accessory find!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 18:12:00 +0000

Are you a runner? Or just looking for a way to hide your keys and phone without putting them in your purse? Then you've got to invest in a running belt! It's a more fashionable than a fanny-pack and you get the reflective trim to help protect you when you're out in the evenings/nights.

The TKO running belt is a particular favorite fitness accessory because it practical, useful and comfy to wear. It has two zipper compartments to hold my phone- these smart phones nowadays are just bulky!- and my keys separately. You can also put any ID or credit cards in the same pouch as your phone.

Note: I received this product for review purposes only. All opinions are mine.

KERANIQUE Clean & Condition Set Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 14:00:00 +0000

Thanks to iFabbo, this holiday I kept my dull, winter hair extra fab with the KERANIQUE clean & Condition set.

This duo combination offers the Scalp stimulating shampoo. Afterward, you use the Volumizing Keratin Conditioner which helped bring life to my usual flat hair.

Learn more about the duo here: http://bit.ly/1fXnMbB

Loving my #keraniquehair thanks to being an #ifabbomember!!

StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 03:30:00 +0000

This past month I have been using the new StriVectin Advanced Retinol Pore Refiner. Thanks to iFabbo, I had the opportunity for my pores to go from ick to ahh. Learn more about it here: http://bit.ly/1gE3Gni

Its technology and age-fighting benefits are to help minimize the pores and overall smooth out one's complexion. Having had some bad acne while growing up and also having large pores and blackheads, I have noticed a large difference after use. A love-hate relationship grew throughout the years, even after trying lots of products. Consistency and continued use had to be the key.

After using the StriVectin Pore Refiner, I saw an immediate difference on my skin. Smoother skin was the biggest thing that I noticed. Usually retinol causes my skin to get a bit more dry but the additional moisturizing ingredients in this product helped ease that. This product overall is a must in my skincare routine. Many of the bumps and pores that I used to have are now less noticeable and even gone! :) LOVE LOVE the results and can't wait to keep using it throughout the winter season.

#iFabboMember #striveStory

Holiday Series: Holiday meals

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 01:52:00 +0000

It's time for some home cooking for the holidays! (Or there's always take-out too if you don't have time.) But for those that enjoy time spent in the kitchen, you have to check out RawSpiceBar. This monthly subscription provides a monthly theme along w/ 3 spices and recipes that would go along with the supplied spice packets.

November's theme was Ethiopian

Sample recipes for the spices

Spices included the pumpkin pie spice, Berbere and Ethiopian motmots. I haven't heard of the last two before but this is definitely interesting and really "spices" up your holiday meals.

The subscription is less than $10 a month and adds a nice "flavor" to your meals.

(Note: RawSpiceBar provided the November subscription so I could review and share my thoughts with my readers. All opinions are my own.)

Holiday Series: Stuff your Stockings!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 16:19:00 +0000

Can you believe it's already December? Between Thanksgiving to Christmas, these couple of weeks is one of my favorite times of the year- spending it with family and shopping for others! I have only a few short weeks and quite a number of folks on my Santa list (lots of people who were nice this year apparently). Each year I usually like to give a mix of stocking stuffers to go along with the gift. It just adds a nice oomph to it.

For my beauty lovers, I love gifting them with useful beauty tools and beauty sets. A gal can never have more than enough glosses! Plus, I adore both so these are definitely on my wish list as well!

Beauty tools:

-new compact mirrors!

-new hair brushes

These 2-in-1 combine a compact mirror and hair brush! From Olivia Gardens, these are available at Ulta for $3.49-perfect for your bestie and yourself!

Gift sets:

One of my fave beauty brands Vapour Organic Beauty is offering these three gift sets on Target.com! Obsessed with sets in general, I adore their multi-use sticks to provide lip colour and cheeks the same colored flush. Here are three with 3 different price points to match your holiday budget!

Available for $40, the duo set includes: Siren Lipstick in Plush, a dusty rose, and Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss in Mystery, a sugared plum.

Available for $50- this is the perfect holiday duo. With nude eyes and berry stain lips, you'll be the catch of the party! This set contains Aura Multi-Use in Instinct, a decadent pomegranate stain, can be used on both lips and/or cheeks and Mesmerize Eye Color in Chill, a silvered taupe, which brightens the eyes with a soft shimmering light.

What I love most about their products is that their colors are buildable so you can get a more intense look by layering on an additional coat of color. 😍

This is my favorite combo- for $70- the set provides Aura Multi-Use in Lavish, a gilded peach to get the perfect glow, Mesmerize Eye Color in Bliss, a smoky brown with a hint of violet and the Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss in Bon Bon, a golden peachy pink. These can be worn together or separately to help create your holiday look this month!

Use the code SHINE to save 10% at Target on select beauty items!

November Birchbox review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 22:59:00 +0000

This month's curated Birchbox was with Tati from GlamLifeGuru on YouTube! I adored the picks that came in this box with lots of great essentials for the winter (even though it is around 70s in SoCal!)

Here's what I got:

The dry shampoo is now a staple in my #mommylife and excited to try this from Living Proof. Other essentials to keep looking revitalized from the sleepless nights is the Shiseido eye concentrate (goodbye bags!), Jouer lip enhancer (hello moisturized lips!) and the Avene hydrating serum (hello beautiful skin!). I honest feel like this box was made for me and couldn't have come at a better time!

Also excited to get the shadow stick from LOC-Birchbox's own line of Beauty products! It's a shimmery golden colour that is perfect for the night out and to instantly "glam" your look.

November is all about giving thanks and all those warm fuzzy feelings! While I'm particularly loving this box, I still can't wait to see what's in store for next month's!

Simple's Micellar Water Review + Q-tip Cotton Rounds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 23:39:00 +0000

Have you tried magical water? I mean.. Micellar Water? Simple Skincare's latest product is this cleansing solution to her skin clean, hydrated and refreshed! It's better than using regular water as it doesn't clean as thorough and my skin still feels oily after.

To use with the Micellar Water, the new Q-tips cotton rounds will help distribute it evenly on your face as well as pick up the makeup/dirt you want to get rid of. I've been using Q-tips my whole life, so these rounds are a must have to my beauty closet.

(Products were sent to me for review purposes only. All opinions are my own.)

August Birchbox review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 00:23:00 +0000

August has come and gone, but I am still loving my end of the summer goodies from my Birchbox. I chose the curated box with Nicole Ritchie and loved it!

The nail polish I can still transition to and wear in the Fall.

TKO Jump Rope Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 23:00:00 +0000

Looking for a fun, easy, low-cost workout? Then look no further, because all it requires is a jump rope. There's a reason why we all used o love it in elementary school- it's simple and effective. The TKO jump rope, available at Macy's, is one of the most effective and smooth ropes I have tried. TKO also specializes in fitness equipment such as boxing and weights. The jump rope comes with a soft rubber grip so it feels comfortable holding the handles and is 9 feet so length should be no issue.

Jumping rope is an effective exercise that provides cardio benefits as well as toning muscles! It's simple and when done correctly, can actually have less of an impact on your knees than jogging. (that's always something I'm concerned about when thinking about my exercise routine) It's also great for HIIT workouts (high intensity interval training which are 10-15 minutes of intense exercise.)

Best thing about jump roping? You can practically do it anywhere! In your backyard, hotel room, living room- just make sure there's no one around!

Check out YouTube for jump rope HIIT routines!

(Disclaimer: I received this product from this company's PR agency to test, try and share my thoughts with my readers.)

Fashion box: Sunshine Crate review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Aug 2015 00:02:00 +0000

In case you didn't know already, I am a HUGE fan of subscription boxes, especially ones that provide value and great products. What I love about subscription "boxes" is its surprise factor. Based on a style profile, you can try products that they think would tailor to suit your personal needs.

I'm already a subscriber to beauty boxes, so the concept transitioning over to fashion is appealing! There's already a few fashion ones but I love scouting new ones. The newest one I have learned is called Sunshine Crate, which provides a new "crate" of apparel to your doorstep. Depending on the size of your crate (either 3 or 5 pieces of apparel plus 1 additional accessory) you can choose a "chosen" item (or 2 if you get the 6-piece crate) from their select pool. The rest of the crate are surprises! These change about every 3 weeks so you can get new clothes pretty much monthly, without ruining your budget.

Here is the latest July 4- piece crate which includes 3 apparel + 1 accessory... My chosen item is this sleeveless button down top from Potter's Pot. I love the plaid and sheer pattern. It's sleeveless - perfect for the hot summer weather and is longer in the back which I love!!

The rest of the crate comes with 2 other "surprise" items. I requested more button downs and generous giving tops and I got 'em! The baseball tee and raglan shirt looks are so cute and I love these tops!! They are super comfortable and casual to wear on the weekend so I'm glad these were in my sunshine crate!

Here's my accessory- a simple bracelet to wear.

If you're interested in learning more, check out sunshinecrate.com! They have clearance bags for cheap (surprise selection of clothes) as well as an accessory crate if you just want that!

Save the date!!

The next crate selection is Tuesday, August 18 @ 9 AM PST ! You can choose from the below 5 items:

I'm loving the striped nautical inspired dress and the yellow striped sweater even though it is 80 degrees where I am.

Here are the crates available:

4 piece -3 apparel + 1 accessory

6 piece- 5 apparel + 1 accessory

Price ranges from $50-85 with about ~$5 shipping depending where you live

Check out sunshinecrate.com today!